High School Study Abroad in Australia & Oceania


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54 High School Programs in Australia & Oceania
AFS-USA
9
1
New Zealand's two islands are divided by Cook Strait. The North Island boasts volcanoes, hot springs, mud pools, geysers, and beaches, while the South Island has rugged Alpine mountains, glaciers, and access to activities like swimming with dolphins and whale-watching. By living with a host family and attending a local school in New Zealand (Aotearoa), you’ll get to know why this country is celebrated for its friendliness and breathtaking natural beauty. Experience the casual Kiwi culture and pass your days with plenty of time outdoors, having a family barbecue or hiking to the nearest beach. You’ll be totally immersed in New Zealand society and learn all about its rich and varied culture. This isn’t just a year abroad; it’s an adventure you’ll never forget!
CIEE High School Abroad
10
1
Step into the shoes of a conservationist in one of the most scenic and biodiverse destinations on Earth. Observe unique Australian wildlife in the marine, coastal, and bushland ecosystems in and around Sydney alongside a local guide and environmentalist. In this beautiful waterfront city, study the science behind extinction and the impact of human activity on Australia’s ecosystems. Conduct field work and collect data for analyzing and evaluating sustainability strategies implemented in urban coastal cities. Volunteer in bush regeneration and see firsthand the measurable effects of ecological restoration. Also explore Australia’s culture, heritage, and way of life. Appreciate Aboriginal culture in Kamay Botany Bay—participate in a traditional ochre ceremony and listen to stories about the First Nations people and the Dreaming, or creation, of this land. Meet up with local youth in Sydney and work together in conservation activities. Enjoy “only in Australia” experiences—pet a kangaroo, go surfing with Aussies, witness surreal sunsets over the Opera House, practice Tim Tam slams, go on bushwalks, and return home saying words like lollies and You Beauty!
See All 2 ProgramsTravel For Teens
9.85
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Fly across the International Dateline and arrive in the Land Down Under! Our journey to Australia and New Zealand is a TFT favorite, combining adventure with cultural exploration and major travel destinations with little-known gems. In New Zealand, we will experience the country’s famed natural beauty and enjoy a boat cruise on picture-perfect Milford Sound in the mountains. During the cruise, we will watch for penguins, seals, and even dolphins! We will also take an exhilarating ride on the world’s fastest jet boat, zooming through rock canyons. To cap off our time in New Zealand, we will enjoy a traditional Maori ceremony and even have the chance to learn the dance and participate! After New Zealand, we’ll hop on a short flight for the ultimate Australian experience. Here, we will enjoy the best of Australia’s wildlife while completing service work with local organizations dedicated to protecting the country’s unique and diverse wildlife and natural habitat. Projects include working at a rehabilitation center where we will help care for injured and orphaned tree-kangaroos and reintroduce them back into the wild, and visiting an endangered ecosystem.
See All 9 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.
See All 7 ProgramsTHINK Global School
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At THINK Global School (TGS), the world's only traveling high school, students live and learn across four countries each year, gaining the skills, perspectives, and friendships needed to thrive in today's interconnected world. In an age of constant digital connection, TGS prioritizes authentic human experiences through real-world immersion and genuine cultural exchange. Students ages 16–18 experience life in up to 8 countries over two years while earning a fully WASC-accredited diploma. Instead of textbooks and lectures, students dive into project-based learning through TGS's innovative Changemaker Curriculum, tackling real-world challenges while drawing inspiration from each host country's culture, environment, and community. With a 4:1 faculty-to-student ratio, students receive individualized guidance from multicultural educators who act as mentors. Since 2010, TGS has called 34 extraordinary countries home, creating a truly global classroom. TGS uses sliding-scale tuition based on family circumstances, ensuring accessibility for qualified students from all backgrounds who have a passion for travel and a desire to improve the world.
Greenheart Travel
10
1
Spend an amazing trimester, semester, or year studying abroad as an exchange student in New Zealand. Dive headfirst into a friendly culture that inspires adventure. As a student abroad, you will live with a host family, attend a local high school, and have a full immersion experience that will make you stand out on college applications. Program at a glance: Host family accommodation provides full cultural immersion. No foreign language experience required — they speak English! Program fee includes accommodation, tuition, and so much more! Multiple cultural or outdoor activities per semester. Straightforward online application process.
See All 2 ProgramsActionQuest Summer Adventure Programs
9.85
47
Living aboard sailing yachts in small groups of 11 to 13 teenagers of similar ages, ActionQuest students discover the British Virgin Islands, learn new skills, earn certifications, and develop leadership abilities while having the time of their lives! Up to eight yachts sail together in a flotilla, allowing participants to connect with others from all over the United States and the world. Under the guidance of licensed sailing experts, participating teams will take charge of piloting and running their vessels. They will have a blast while earning certifications in sailing and scuba diving, and also learning marine biology, water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, navigation, and seamanship. Eleven distinct programs cater to students of all levels, and no experience is necessary to join our most popular introductory voyage. Although the program's emphasis is on everything above and below the water, the crew will also explore the islands, hike the mountains, and take in fiery sunsets during beach barbecues and parties.
Immerse Education
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In Sydney, the creative sector is a key driver of innovation and identity. Our Creative Industries summer programme invites students aged 15-18 to explore the intersection of media, design, storytelling, and visual communication. From branding and advertising to content creation and digital storytelling, you’ll dive into workshops and projects that challenge you to develop your creative voice and think strategically. Guided by experienced tutors with backgrounds in the arts, marketing, and creative strategy, you’ll work through real briefs, visit real studios and agencies, and reflect on how creativity influences both culture and commerce. Sydney’s buzzing creative energy and multicultural influence provide an exciting backdrop for your ideas to grow. Whether you’re interested in filmmaking, graphic design, fashion, or creative direction, this course is your chance to learn practical skills, build a portfolio, and experience the pace and ambition of life in the creative industries.
See All 4 ProgramsGVI
9.52
86
GVI offers a variety of opportunities for young adults between the ages of 15 and 17 to gain first-hand experience in cultural immersion, marine and wildlife conservation and community development. This is a great way to become a global citizen with a better understanding of prevalent social and environmental issues. It’s also a gateway to improving your future education and employment opportunities, as you acquire soft and hard skills in your chosen GVI focus. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to dive in the oceans of Greece, visit the jungles of Costa Rica, or the rolling Incan valleys of Peru, all while contributing to sustainability, this is for you. This is an opportunity to connect with a network of people who share similar passions for sustainability, while also expanding your knowledge of different linguistic practices and cultural customs. Each project is aimed at reaching sustainable objectives that align with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
See All 2 ProgramsPutney Student Travel
9.6
5
Travel through Australia and Fiji on a high school adventure that blends island culture, marine exploration, and rugged Outback discovery. Begin in Fiji, where you experience village life, explore rivers and reefs, and connect with local traditions. Continue to Australia to bike through Sydney, sail the Whitsundays, and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. Trek among ancient rock formations in the Outback, camp under star-filled skies, and learn from local experts. Return home with new confidence, lifelong friendships, and a deeper appreciation for Pacific cultures and environments.
See All 2 ProgramsRustic Pathways
10
7
Embrace the welcoming culture in Fiji as you go island hopping and dive into meaningful service projects. Our Sun, Sand, and Island Service program is designed to maximize community interaction. Learn about environmental conservation efforts and infrastructure needs. Enjoy lessons on cooking and weaving. Slide down large dunes and relax in natural hot springs. And at each stop, enjoy being treated like family on a journey you will not forget. On this two-week service-focused program, you'll stay at our South Pacific Eco-Lodge base and journey to the Yasawa Islands for a few days. After service, relax and enjoy island living. This popular program will give you insight into the Fijian way of life and introduce you to the natural beauty of this island nation.
See All 2 ProgramsARCC Programs
9.6
5
Join us for a transformative 21-day cultural immersion in Australia and Fiji. We start in Fiji with a warm welcome ceremony, engaging in hands-on cooking classes to explore the diverse flavors of Fijian cuisine. Our community service focuses on a meaningful meal program that empowers Fijian women and fosters connections through shared meals. Traveling to Viti Levu's scenic highlands, we immerse ourselves in traditional island life by participating in bamboo raft building and local farming activities. On Taveuni, we embrace “island time” with snorkeling, kayaking, and preparing traditional meals while learning local customs. Next, we head to Australia, beginning in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Here, we earn our SCUBA certification and experience breathtaking underwater biodiversity while staying on a liveaboard boat. Our adventure includes community service at a wildlife refuge, where we care for iconic Australian animals. We’ll also delve into Aboriginal culture in the Daintree Rainforest, learning traditional practices and the connection between the land and its people.
Global Works
8
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The magic of Fiji's pristine waves is matched only by the world-famous friendliness of its people and their diverse, captivating culture. Experience this culture to its fullest by sharing in the communal life of a small village, where the people hold the deep belief that family and friends are the most important things in life - a truly immersive teen travel program! This program has been designed to bring together open-minded and adventurous students. It combines authentic cultural exchange, meaningful service, and adventure. We immerse ourselves in communities that exist without cars or stores and gain a deeper understanding of the Fijian way of life. Then, we top it off by visiting the beautiful Yasawa Islands and supporting biological researchers in community service work. A student travel program to Fiji is something you will never forget!
Broadreach
9.67
3
Work alongside conservationists and researchers and dive with sharks in a controlled environment in this exciting program for young participants who are at least 15 years old and have a PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent scuba certification. Dispel negative myths surrounding sharks and discover their importance to ocean ecosystems. On a single dive, observe bull, lemon, and tiger sharks. At the Shark Reef Marine Reserve, dispel the myths surrounding sharks and observe multiple species in a controlled setting. Learn all about shark biology and behavior. Contemplate their incredible survival over the past 400 million years and discuss their future. Even assist with research and conservation efforts. In Fiji, the study of sharks isn't limited to the ocean. Listen to locals tell stories of Dakuwaqa, the ancient Shark God in a Fijian village. Develop a greater understanding of these beautiful and often misunderstood creatures. And discover a newfound love and respect for the Fijian people and their islands. On this extraordinary South Pacific adventure, you’ll acquire much more than college credit.
Westcoast Connection
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This is the perfect program for teens who want to experience an authentic, hands-on, and unique volunteer program in one of the world's most pristine and dynamic countries. Enjoy island paradise and rural living with like-minded peers on diverse projects, from marine conservation at our island base camp to sustainable development to a children's after-school program in local villages. This immersive program offers numerous opportunities to interact with Fijians to better understand and appreciate their culture and foster an appreciation for our teens’ lives. Outside of volunteering, they experience amazing adventures like ziplining, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking in dunes. They also enjoy cultural experiences like pottery and craft workshops, Indo-Fijian cooking lessons, soaking in mud baths, and plenty of beach and ‘island time.’ The program ends with a fantastic finale in Hawaii, spending 4 nights in the modern paradise of Honolulu. A limited number of participants depart on day 18, while the 24-day participants continue to Hawaii.
See All 5 ProgramsGoBeyond Student Travel
9.75
8
This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.
See All 2 ProgramsASSE International Student Exchange
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Embark on the unique journey of spending a school year or semester abroad with ASSE! Living with a host family abroad and attending a public high school allows for a long-term immersive experience in the culture of the host country of your choice. There are so many reasons to decide to go on exchange: - Become fluent in another language - Get to experience the culture as an insider - not a tourist - Build a stronger resume for college applications - Develop leadership skills, self-confidence, independence, maturity - Discover another school system - Learn about building friendships, respecting differences, and tolerating the beliefs of others. By becoming a high school exchange student, you will better understand the complexities of the world around you and become a true world citizen. As one of the oldest and largest international student exchange organizations, ASSE can offer the most comprehensive Study Abroad Programs with the lowest possible fees for your school year or semester abroad. Take the leap today!
Projects Abroad
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At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!
See All 6 ProgramsStudy Abroad Campus Education
9.63
8
HELLO Australia, experience living with an amazing family while attending a local high school and really living the true experience as you have a full immersion and improve your speaking skills or just enjoy a full cultural exchange. Study Abroad Campus Education secures high quality placements for international students in local private schools in Sydney and New South Wales Australia. Program participants are placed with a well-selected local family in quality areas. The program is open to students within the age range of 14-17 years old. School study group tours are also available for interested language groups or schools. The programs include the following: - 4 - 8 weeks Summer, Winter program - 1, 2, 3 month cultural exchange in NSW Australia - Accommodation with an amazing quality local host family - Full board and private room - Attendance at a local school - Airport transfers - Health insurance - Local coordinator available 24/7 - Local telephone sim card
See All 2 ProgramsLoop Abroad
9.71
7
Join this two-week adventure “down under” and volunteer at the Walkabout Wildlife Park in Calga Springs outside Sydney, Australia. Get hands-on with koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, wallabies, and all kinds of other Australian wildlife. Enjoy a fun tourist trip in Sydney; explore aboriginal sites in the bush; and study “Australian Wildlife Handling, Conservation, and Care” with your veterinarian (DVM) trip leader in the classroom and with the animals. The program is open to high school students aged 14-18. Each group of up to 10 participants will have its veterinarian and Australian Volunteer Coordinator.
A Guide to High School Programs in Australia & Oceania
Locations
The exact definition of Oceania is a bit vague, with some using the term to refer to the islands of the South Pacific, while others include New Zealand and Australia as well. High school programs in Australia and New Zealand are well-known and very popular, but there are programs available in the lesser known islands as well.
Australia is the world’s smallest continent, the sixth-largest country by total area, and a giant death trap (okay, maybe that is an exaggeration). Everything in Australia can kill you: crocodiles, poisonous snakes, venomous spiders, and I wouldn’t trust kangaroos either, but it’s a perfect location for fearless high school students looking for an international adventure (and, we may be exaggerating a tad). Like most countries and islands in Oceania, Australia is full of contrasts, including tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, miles and miles of desert, and the Great Barrier reef, the world’s largest coral reef system whose reputation precedes it. Students interested in wildlife conservation, environmental sustainability, and adventure with a capital A, will love high school programs in Australia.
New Zealand. Students looking for an adventure should look no further than high school programs in New Zealand. There’s a reason why adventurers, both real and fictional, are drawn to the islands. Wander the redwood forests of the North Island, then take the ferry across the Cook Strait to explore the golden shores of Abel Tasman National Park, or swim with dolphins in Kaikoura. High School students will have the opportunity to learn about New Zealand’s legendary origin story and the Maori people, who will welcome you onto their Marae with a Powhiri (welcoming ceremony), a warm Kia ora (hello/be well), and a hongi, the traditional Maori greeting where you press your foreheads and noses together. Cultural exchange is the cornerstone of any high school program in New Zealand.
Fiji. The Fiji islands are one of the top tourist attractions in the South Pacific. The (literally) hundreds of islands in this isolated archipelago contain dozens of world class beach resorts, giving students the chance to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the islands, the ocean, and the beaches in between. Some of the best locations for snorkeling, diving, and related water sports can be found in Fiji, but nature isn’t all the Fijian islands have to offer. The locals in Fiji are well known for being some of the friendliest people on Earth. Outsiders are welcomed with open arms and a boisterous “Bula!” (“hello!” or “welcome!”), making Fiji a beautiful, safe, and culturally stimulating destination for a high school programs abroad.
Samoa. For English speaking students, high school programs in Samoa can represent a fascinating blend of strange and familiar. Consisting primarily of two main islands and located roughly halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, Samoans speak both English and their native language, meaning a language barrier is not an issue here. This may be where the similarities end, however, as the native islander culture is alive and well on the islands. An ‘Ava ceremony is one experience that’s not to be missed, with outsiders often welcomed to participate in the ritualistic and community-oriented drinking of a liquid made from the native ‘ava root. High school programs in Samoa tend to center around volunteer work and many are offered on a shorter-term basis, making for a great getaway during short breaks from school.
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